High School Runner Returns After Concussion From Baton Strike, Cleared to Run at Nationals [WATCH]

Two weeks after suffering a concussion during a chaotic high school relay race, sprinter Kaelen Tucker has officially been cleared to compete at nationals.

But it’s not just her speed making headlines—this return comes after an on-track incident that ended with a criminal charge and a protective order, as reported by TMZ.

During the VHSL Class 3 State Indoor Championships on March 4 in Virginia, the junior track standout was struck in the head with a baton by another competitor, senior Alaila Everett.

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The blow, which happened during the 4×200 relay, left Tucker with a brain injury and knocked her out of competition—temporarily.

The baton strike occurred while both girls were rounding a corner. Tucker’s father, Keith Tucker, confirmed to TMZ Sports that doctors gave his daughter the green light to run again. But it’s safe to say this isn’t just business as usual for the Tucker family.

Athlete strikes rival with baton mid-race pic.twitter.com/6vWIii5M9g

— The Sun (@TheSun) March 13, 2025

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What raised eyebrows wasn’t just the accident itself—but how it happened. Everett’s swing looked more deliberate than accidental to some.

However, Everett claimed otherwise, saying, “My baton got stuck behind her back like this, and it rolled up her back. I lost my balance when I pumped my arms again.”

Nice try—but prosecutors weren’t buying it. After a full investigation, authorities charged Everett with one count of assault and battery. That charge speaks volumes.

In what felt like a page out of a political activist’s playbook, Everett decided to hold a rally outside her high school in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Surrounded by supporters, she proclaimed her innocence: “There’s no one else that wanted to hear my story, except the people that know me… I would never harm anybody.”

Interesting defense—throw a rally instead of letting the facts speak for themselves. It’s a curious move, but one that seems more about public optics than accountability.

People gathered to support track star Alaila Everett, believing she is being wrongly accused of purposely attacking another track star

“I’m not a fighter, i’m not even confrontational, i wouldn’t even do that on purpose, Thank you for believing me!” pic.twitter.com/wFSLvnjhV7

— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) March 13, 2025

Meanwhile, Kaelen Tucker isn’t about to risk another injury. She’s taken the precaution of securing a protective order against Everett, legally barring the older student from contacting her.

Smart move. In a world where too many incidents are brushed under the rug in the name of “sportsmanship” or “misunderstandings,” Tucker and her family chose to stand up and push back.

Virginia high school track star struck in head with baton cleared to run in Nationals — days after opponent rallies supporters https://t.co/h1gj6sIRhY pic.twitter.com/BJwVjkrrJX

— New York Post (@nypost) March 21, 2025

As the next big meet approaches, all eyes are on Tucker—not just for her comeback, but for how she’s handled the fallout. She’s not playing victim. She’s showing grit.

Let’s hope the rest of the competition plays by the rules—and keeps their batons to themselves.